It Still Pays to Recycle!

Difficult economic times mean recycling centers across the nation are seeing demand for recycled items such as paper, cardboard and glass diminish. According to CNN, recyclers in Georgia are now getting $37 a ton for recyclables, down from roughly $160 a ton a year ago. Recycling programs across America are facing similar problems.

In Atlanta, this has meant that curbside recycling collection has been spotty, and many residents are worried that providers won’t pick up their recycling bins. Some are stockpiling items in garages and driving them to drop-off centers.

If you’re having difficulties with your recycling company, try these tips:

• Contact your provider and ask for a comprehensive list of pickup dates.

• If you live close to a drop-off center, dispose of your recyclables there.

Before you throw away recycling items, give them a second life with these creative ideas:

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

MOTHER EARTH NEWS is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. MOTHER EARTH NEWS helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At MOTHER EARTH NEWS, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of MOTHER EARTH NEWS for only $12.00 (USA only).